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What and when..

My baby is 7 and a half months. We introduced cereal at 5 and a half months and baby food at 6 and a half. I read on the development chart that he should be trying to eat finger food by himself. What finger foods? My LO has always been breastfeed and has only eaten organic. Any suggestions?

1st Time Mommy to Baby Boy born 4-20-09since day one!
Finally done !!!There are three reasons for breast-feeding: the milk is always at the right temperature; it comes in attractive containers; and the cat can't get it. ~Irena Chalmers

Re: What and when..

Has your child mastered the pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) yet? If not, then he's probably not ready for finger foods because he's going to have a hard time getting them into his mouth. If he has mastered the pincer grasp, then you can start offering him all sorts of things, as long as they are soft and in small, non-choke-hazard sizes. We started with soft stuff from a chicken soup- strings of boiled chicken, squished carrots, etc. Many people recommend introducing one food at a time, particularly if there's a history of allergy in your family. That way if your baby has a reaction, you'll know what caused it.

When you're offering finger foods, expect a big mess. Playing with food- squishing it, smearing it, flinging it- is as normal and healthy part of the experience as eating the food is.